- Contracts for NFL wide receivers have dramatically increased, particularly in 2024 as a number of top wideouts got new, lucrative deals.
- San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk and Cincinnati’s JaMarr Chase have been at their team facilities, but are not practicing as they want new contracts.
- Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb, and Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown led the way for new wide-receiver contracts this offseason.
We’re just seven days away from the start of the regular season, and NFL betting sites are still trying to figure out how to accurately value these teams. However, two teams with high hopes might be missing important wide receivers by the time they kick off Week 1.
The wide-receiver market for NFL salaries exploded this offseason, at least at the top end, as eight of the top 10 receiver deals in NFL history were inked this summer. That has caused two receivers to decide they weren’t going to practice with their teams.
San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk and Cincinnati’s JaMarr Chase have been in the building, but they haven’t practiced with their teams yet. These situations could stretch into Week 1.
Aiyuk Medically Cleared to Practice, But Wasn’t Seen at Practice Wednesday
Aiyuk is coming off a career season for the 49ers, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns as San Francisco went to the Super Bowl, but lost to Kansas City in overtime. Super Bowl odds are high on the 49ers once again, but Aiyuk is a crucial part of their offense.
On Wednesday, August 28, ESPN reported that the 49ers medically cleared Aiyuk to play. Aiyuk claimed that he had neck and back soreness, which meant he wouldn’t be fined for not practicing. However, now that he has been medically cleared to play, the 49ers expect Aiyuk to be on the field. San Francisco general manager John Lynch made his feelings clear on the subject.
Lynch also made sure to shout out 49ers’ wideout Deebo Samuel for coming to camp and practicing, which could be seen as a shot at Aiyuk, who has one year left on his deal at $14.1 million.
Lynch has had a frustrating offseason as offensive tackle Trent Williams is also not practicing and wants a new contract. As for Aiyuk, the 49ers have a trade in place with Pittsburgh if they don’t agree to an extension with the receiver. However, Pittsburgh could be looking into backup options as time is running out. The 49ers kick off the season against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football on September 9.
Taylor Walks Back Plans for Chase to Practice
In Cincinnati, the Bengals are dealing with a similar situation. On Tuesday, head coach Zac Taylor said that he expected Chase to play in Week 1’s opener against New England. But on Wednesday, Taylor claimed, “I probably put my foot in my mouth speaking too quickly”. After taking part in light practices, Chase didn’t participate in practices closer to how the team would operate in the season.
Chase has two years left on his deal, for this season at $4.8 million, and 2025 at $21.8 million. The Bengals had a tough 2023 season, as they missed the playoffs largely due to an injury-plagued season from quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase and Burrow played together at LSU, and have been very prolific when healthy. The Bengals just went to the Super Bowl in 2021, losing to the Los Angeles Rams.
Why Do Aiyuk and Chase Want More Money?
As was mentioned before, the wide-receiver market is massive now. Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson set the market with a four-year, $140 million contract with $110 million in guaranteed money. Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb signed a deal of $136 million over four years, with $100 million guaranteed. Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown, Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Miami’s Tyreek Hill, among others, also signed new deals.
This is a major headache for NFL teams, even those with the NFL’s richest owners. The league has moved towards a more passing-game focus, and that means wide receivers are at a premium. Don’t be surprised if you don’t see Aiyuk and/or Chase on the field for their teams in Week 1.
